Orientation & Mobility

Tara Sloan is a new Orientation and Mobility Specialist in the BEMS program. From Gainesville, Florida, Ms. Tara is a graduate of Trinity College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Florida State University with a Master of Science in Visual Disabilities. She is certified as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist as well as a Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.

Prior to coming to FSDB, Ms. Tara worked for the School Board of Alachua County as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and for Allied Instructional Services as an Independent Contractor, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.

Ms. Tara is married to her wonderful husband, Matt, and they have one amazing son, Braden, who keeps life fun and full of adventure. Their family wouldn’t be complete without their three beloved dogs—Coco, Huckleberry, and Cash—who bring joy, energy, and a little bit of chaos to their home. "Family time is incredibly important to me, and I cherish the moments we spend together, whether we’re relaxing at home or exploring the outdoors," she adds. In her free time, she loves being outdoors, especially spending time at the beach, swimming, and going on bike rides.

While completing her internship at FSDB for Orientation and Mobility, she became so impressed by the campus, staff, and students that she knew she wanted to make this school her home. "The positive atmosphere that surrounds FSDB is truly inspiring—every interaction reflects a deep commitment to student growth, inclusion, and empowerment."

"What I love most about FSDB is the sense of purpose and community that radiates throughout the campus. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into an environment where every staff member is deeply committed to empowering students through meaningful instruction and support. The campus itself is thoughtfully designed to foster independence, and it’s inspiring to see students confidently navigating their surroundings and engaging with the world around them. I am thrilled to be here, thank you for welcoming me!"

We want to remind everyone to exercise extra caution when driving near the Genoply/Douglas intersection during heavy rain. Floodwaters can accumulate quickly in this area, making it difficult to navigate the streets. 

We understand that this may lead to delays for car riders, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Your safety is our top priority, so we encourage you to take your time and avoid driving through flooded areas. 

Thank you for helping us keep our students and families safe. 

FSDB families are invited to our first Parent Chat & School Advisory Council Meeting of the 2025-26 school year!

FSDB recognizes that family involvement positively impacts student success and encourages parents/legal guardians to take an active and supportive role in enhancing the student learning environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents & staff members to share ideas and work together.

The meeting will take place September 19 at 8:30 am in Moore Hall CLD.

For more information and to RSVP or register for the virtual option, please visit Informed Parent Meeting

Students in the Blind Elementary School are invited to attend monthly literacy workshops with their families in the library. We share a light dinner, do a year-long author study, complete connecting tactile crafts and share strategies for success in reading.

Our first meeting will be on Monday, September 15th from 5:00-6:30.

We will be launching our author study of Jerry Pinkney for this year. Families, please join us for food, stories, crafts and fun. RSVP is required please. Contact Media Specialist Joy Carriger at carrigerj@fsdbk12.org

The BMS Book Club will be reading SSYRA (Sunshine State Young Reader Award) Books. Parent Permission Forms are required for participation. Students will read and discuss a book each month throughout the year and culminate in a grade level Battle of the Books at the end of the year.

For more information, please contact the Media Specialist Joy Carriger at carrigerj@fsdbk12.org

Meet Lukas, 2nd grader from Ms. Baggett's class!

Lukas joined FSDB in January 2025. His favorite subject is math because he "didn't really know math before (he) came to FSDB and now I know so much and its super fun for me!" He likes learning new things and staying in the dorm because all of his friends are there.

Lukas' favorite hobby is swimming. He can dive, do cannonballs, do a belly flop, and hold his breath for a long time! He is also super flexible and loves to dance!

His favorite memory so far is his first day of school. "It was my very first day of school ever and I got to meet Ms. Baggett and all of my friends. It was the best day of my life!" When asked what he would tell a student considering attending FSDB, he said he would tell them how awesome it is. "This place is the best school on earth! I love my teachers, and I love my friends. I am always happy to be here," he says joyously.

Ms. Hillary creates a customized locker name tag for each new student in Blind Middle School.

Name tags have large hollow lettering with a white background. This makes for a good contrast once colored in with the student’s favorite colors. Their tag is then hand stamped, customizing it with their favorite critter (animal, sea creature, bug, etc.). This is followed by coloring everything in, often blending the colors together to create a pattern that compliments what has been stamped.

Once colored and cut out, name tags are laminated for durability. Braille is added to all name tags for students to be able to identify their own locker. A magnet is attached for ease of use, enabling the tag to be easily moved to a new locker the following year.  Many students keep their locker name tags through their high school years.

Lucas – Dragon and flames

Kessler – Flying Bats and a spider with spiderweb

Mariah – Mermaid, tiny fish, and sea horse

Raelyn – Unicorn and stars

Manny – Whale, bubbles, tiny fish, and a clam

Jayden – Dragon blowing the shape of his name

Maely – the planet Saturn and stars

Jesa – Fox with books

Elijah – Jaguar with jungle leaves

Daniel – Narwhal with coral and sea grass

The Cobra Chats Podcast is a student-curated podcast produced by Blind Middle School students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Contributions are included from elementary and high school students across the K–12 Blind Department. Each episode features engaging interviews, reports, and creative segments that highlight student voices, experiences, and learning. Through this dynamic platform, students build essential Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) skills—such as communication, self-advocacy, career education, and technology use—while strengthening literacy and confidence in real-world contexts.

Did you know? The latest episode of the Cobra Chats Podcast was posted over the summer. Please take a listen to our students showcasing their talents and interests in the various ECC fields.

Cobra Chats – Episode 7

Congratulations to our newly elected officers:

Senior President - Serenity Herrell

Senior Vice President - Lily James

Senior Secretary - Serraya Robinson

Senior Webmaster - Briella Lawson

Junior President - Whyatt Altemose

Hello from Kramer!

We hope you’ve been enjoying hearing all about the adventures your students have been having with us so far this year! From baking cookies and interactive games to outdoor play, dorm performances, and settling into our daily routines — it’s been a fun and busy start.

We’re excited for the activities still to come in the weeks ahead — stay tuned!

Cary White is in full swing, and we are less than a month into the new school year.

During these first few weeks the girls have been discussed the difference between "wants" and "needs". They practiced using "I" statements and asking without fear for things they need. 

The boys have been focusing on personal and oral hygiene, learning what products to use and how to properly use them as well as working on hygiene tools and their proper use.

Cary White did a "Meet and Greet" for students and staff alike. We learned how to introduce ourselves, describe our interests and tell how long we have been with FSDB. The meeting ended with a bit of social time and homemade "Chilly Pops" made by our Dorm Supervisor, Ms. Cynthia. 

Athletics Page

Raymond's Warehouse, also known as "the School Store", has opened for the 2025-26 school year! As part of the After School Work Program, Raymond’s Warehouse will be open each Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 6pm.

 As in previous years, Raymond’s Warehouse is a CASH ONLY business. Please stop by for drinks, snacks and candy, and stay for a chat with our fantastic student workers. We look forward to serving you!

Please send in as soon as possible:

• Signed 2025-26 Consent Forms (Adult students must sign their own)

• Asthma/Allergy/Anaphylaxis Diabetes/Seizure/Panhypopit Sick Plans

• Medications and updated med orders

• Diet Orders

An adequate supply of all prescription medications must be available while your student is on campus. Please monitor for needed refills prior to your student returning to school. In some cases, students may need to return home to ensure their safety until their medications become available. Prescription medications must be sent in the original labeled bottles to our pharmacist. Signed physician orders may be faxed directly to our pharmacist at 904-827-2428.

A Clearance form is required to return to campus after any Emergency Room visit, surgery, or hospitalization has occurred (including on weekends or school breaks). It may be dropped off at the HCC, faxed to 904-827-2421, or emailed to HCCRecords@fsdbk12.org but must be received prior to your student’s use of transportation or return to school. If a student is on campus without Clearance, they must remain in the Health Care Center until it is received. Parents may have to pick up their student from school if Clearance cannot be obtained.

​Our BEMS School Advisory Council (SubSAC) is comprised of stakeholders including parents, administrators, and staff. We discuss school goals, data, spending, and programs related to Title 1 funds. The virtual meetings are held four times per year on Fridays from 10:00-11:00. If you are interested in joining, reach out to Assistant Principal Ellen Fertsch at fertsche@fsdbk12.org

25/26 Title 1 Dates:

•9/12

•11/14

•2/6

•5/1

Hey Families, The Parent Services Department offers travel reimbursement. Including mileage, meals, and even hotel expenses.  A couple of things you need to know first: All Parent University and Parent Engagement Workshops qualify for reimbursement.  Title I Parent meetings and School Advisory Council meetings qualify too.  We can’t reimburse travel to attend teacher conferences, IEP meetings, athletic events, school plays, etc.  We can’t reimburse travel to attend teacher conferences, IEP meetings, athletic events, school plays, etc.  We are working together to schedule more meetings in connection with campus events so you can attend multiple things during each visit.  

Nice to Know Tips:

*if you travel more than 50 miles we can reimburse hotel accommodations up to $225.

*many of our large events are scheduled on Friday so your child can ride home with you.  

Let’s Discuss. There are a couple of other things we will need to discuss before you start traveling.  Give me a call or send an email if you’d like to know more.

Misty Porter, Parent Liaison.  Porterm@fsdbk12.org  904-827-2988 

FSDB has private and grant funds, in addition to donor services, that benefit homeless students.

Homeless students are those students and their families who lack fixed, regular, adequate nighttime housing.

Examples include:

• Couch surfing—staying with family or friends temporarily

• Living in a homeless shelter

• Living in a vehicle

• Living in run down buildings that are not adequate

• Living in any public or private dwelling not designed for humans

Blind Elementary/Middle School "MV Team" representative is Ms. Laura Pamer. She meets with BEMS homeless students regularly and directly. You may reach her at pamerl@fsdbk12.org  or 904-827-2238